Understanding Benefits

Responsible Investing

Through the ELCA Pension and Other Benefits Program, Portico strives to empower members to live well for life — physically, financially, and emotionally. By living well as whole people of God, we can better enhance the lives of others — doing God’s work in Christ’s name for the sake of the world.

One of the congregations in our synod tried to find a better deal for health care coverage in the open market. A member of the council and the call committee were tasked with cutting the cost. One was the owner of a medium-sized business; the other worked in human resources. They tried hard to beat Portico’s rates but couldn’t do it.

I have been getting calls from congregations in transition asking the same question: Can we get a better deal elsewhere? I tell them the above story. And to help spread the word, I also posted this on our TX-LA Gulf Coast Synod website:

"Those of you with health coverage through Portico recently received an email outlining an increase in the cost of coverage for 2016. It’s no secret the cost of health care continues to go up. Here’s the good news: Portico is not only competitive with the open market, it’s less expensive."

"I have worked with congregations who made an effort to find alternative, comparable coverage in the open market. Portico beats the competition every time. One congregation that tried to find an alternative to Portico was told they couldn’t beat Portico’s coverage — and that this particular health care provider anticipated a 30% increase for 2016. We know the cost of benefits is an increasing concern for pastors and congregations. It’s good to know that Portico is working hard to hold the line."

This submission describes a personal perspective on an aspect of the ELCA benefit program that may or may not reflect the experience of others.

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Plan member rights under the plans are governed by the plan documents, which are the full, legal descriptions of the plans. If any of the information on this page is inconsistent with the corresponding plan document, the plan document is the controlling document.